herpes Archive

Are You Too Old For Sex Education?

Posted on January 16, 2012.

While this piece is a few months old, its topic is fresh and troubling: a safe sex education session for adults over 60 was cancelled due to lack of interest. Given that those over 60 are still having lots of sex and enjoying it, it’s not like such a session isn’t necessary. Big Little Wolf [...]

STI Prevention Starts with Foreplay- Conversation that Is

Posted on December 19, 2011.

A few pieces last week brought it home again that aging doesn’t eliminate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, it could make it a little higher. If you figure safe sex doesn’t apply because your partner doesn’t have a STI or you can’t get pregnant, reconsider. According to a recent report in [...]

Health Literacy – It’s Your Life

Posted on October 17, 2011.

If your doctor told you that you’ve tested positive for Chlamydia, one of the most common STIs, would you know whether it’s a bacterial or viral infection? Do you know how it’s treated? Would you know what it means for your current and past sex partners? These are some basic things to ponder this month- [...]

The Conversation That Never Ends: Kids & Sex

Posted on October 10, 2011.

Jezebel (a great site for sharp and sassy commentary, BTW) recently posted about a poll that finds parents may talk to their kids about sex, but not birth control. I do talk to my kids about sex and my work in HIV prevention so there I was, feeling all Mother of the Year, but then my snarky inner voice snapped into place and demanded, “But when was the last time you talked to your kids about birth control?” Love that voice.

Microbicide Study Ongoing, with Edits

Posted on October 3, 2011.

Ok, so we know that women are often at the vulnerable end of things when it comes to preventing STIs. If your partner’s a guy and he balks at condoms, you have a minimum of one safe sex talk ahead of you, if not more. Sure, female condoms are an option, but wouldn’t it be great if there were others that women could control?

Your Sexuality: Great Info from Gunter

Posted on September 26, 2011.

I’ve found a new (to me) source for my sexual-health-info-seeking: Dr. Jen Gunter. You already know this if you follow her: she’s factual and funny. She’s an OB/GYN with a passion for health and social media. And she’s Canadian-born (shout-out to Winnipeg)! I like to read her stuff because she is sex positive, and can [...]

Should We Rely On The Law to Protect Us from STIs?

Posted on September 12, 2011.

An Ontario man has been charged with aggravated sexual assault because he didn’t tell his sex partner he has herpes. Can we really rely on the law to protect us from STIs?

Safer sex advice says “Use a Condom.” What if Your Partner Won’t?

Posted on August 15, 2011.

“I think you need to have something about how men don’t want to wear condoms,” said Carol. The “Use a condom” message is spouted by HIV prevention educators (including myself) the world over, but we know it’s not always reasonable advice. There are situations where women and men alike can’t use a condom.